Pacers’ O’Neal placed on IL to start season

Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) – Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O’Neal
was placed on the injured list Monday with a sore left foot.

O’Neal suffered a strained ligament in the foot during a pickup game less than
a month before training camp began. He played in one preseason game, but has
been out since October 20 with the injury.

O’Neal joined starting center Jeff Foster (hip surgery) and backup point guard
Anthony Johnson (broken finger, right hand) on the injured list. Both are
expected to miss up to eight weeks. Austin Croshere would likely fill O’Neal’s
starting spot for the first five games of the year.

A three-time All-Star, O’Neal has averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per
game in eight seasons with Portland and Indiana.